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DUKE 

UNIVERSITY 

LIBRARY 


Treasure  %oom 


FAREWELL   SERMON. 


PREACHED   AT 


BRAINTREE,  MASS. 


ON 


LORD'S  DAY,  MAY  7,  1809. 


IKE  SABBATH  AFTER  HIS  PASTORAL  AND  MINISTE- 
RL\L  RELATION  TO  THE  CHURCH  AND  CON- 
GREGATION WAS  dissolved;  by  an 

ECCLESIASTIG.\L    COUNCIL 
MUTUALLY  CHOSEN. 


BY  SYLVESTER  SAGE. 


FVBLISHED   AT    THE   PARTICULAR   REQUEST    OF    THE    SUBSCRIBEXS . 


Boston : 

PRLVFED  BY  MAjYJVIJVG  iJf  LORIXC,  Xo.  C,  CORXHILJ 

1 809. 


FAREWELL  SERMON. 


Brethren  and  Friends, 

We  are  assembled,  perhaps,  for  the  last 
lime,  until  wc  meet  at  the  bar  of  our  Omniscient 
judge.  As  this  is  the  last  opportunity  I  expect  to 
have  to  address  you  upon  tlic  interesting  subject  of 
salvation,  so  it  may  be  the  last  you  will  have  to  hear 
me :  therefore,  let  our  united  prayers  ascend  to  the 
throne  of  infinite  purity,  that  I  may  be  enabled  to 
speak,  as  a  dying  man  to  dying  men  :  and  that  you 
may,  with  candour,  hear  the  parting  counsel  of  one 
who  earnestly  desireth  your  souls*  prosperity. 

The  words  1  have  selected  for  tlie  foundation  of 
the  present  discourse,  you  will  find  in 

THE  ACTS  OF  THE  APOSTLES,  x^^ii.  IL 

AXD      HE     CONTINUED      THERE    A    TEAR    AND     SIX     MONTHS,     TEACHING 
THE    irORD    OF    GOD    AMONG    THEM. 

These  words  were  spoken  concerning  Paul ;  and 
they  express  the  length  of  time  he  continued  at  Co- 
rinth, and  the  business  in  which  he  was  employed, 
teaching  the  word  of  God  :  and  it  is  beheved  tliey 
may  lead  our  attention  to  some  things  not  unsuita- 
ble, but  highly  proper,  on  this  solemn  occasion. 

Two  general  ideas  are  obviously  contained  in  the 
words  of  the  text,  to  which  wc  shall,  by  divine  leave, 
endeavour  to  attend. 


I.  The  great  business  of  a  minister  among  the 
people  with  whom  he  is  connected.     And 

II.  That  however  short  the  time  of  any  minister's 
labours  among  a  people,  yet  that  time  is  important. 

The  business  of  a  minister  is  to  teach  the  word  of 
God.     In  which  duty  we  may  note  two  things. 

1.  The  business:  Teaching.  In  this  is  implied 
exposition  of  the  scriptures.  The  scriptures  of  the 
Old  and  New  Testament  are  what  he  is  to  explain  to 
his  people  in  his  public  discourses.  The  word  of 
God  is  the  treasury  of  truth  ;  from  which  the  min- 
ister is,  from  time  to  time,  to  draw  out  things  to 
alarm  the  careless  ;  to  direct  the  inquiring  ;  to  com- 
fort the  afflicted,  and  to  quicken  and  animate  the 
children  of  God  in  the  discharge  of  duty.  He  must 
be  cautious  not  to  put  any  false  interpretation  upon 
any  part  of  scripture,  but  to  let  scripture  be  its  own 
expositor  ;  or,  in  other  words,  to  put  no  construc- 
tion upon  any  passage  that  is  contrary,  but  rather  that 
which  is  according  to  the  general  current  of  the  sa- 
cred volume.  In  the  exposition  of  scripture,  the 
faithful  minister  will  find  it  necessary  to  point  the 
arrows  of  the  lawagainst  all  the  wicked,  and  denounce 
the  thunders  of  Sinai  against  every  impenitent  sin- 
ner. He  can  never  cry  peace  and  safety  to  the  wick- 
ed, when  sudden  destruction  cometh.  Nay,  he  will 
explain  and  enforce,  with  all  the  cogency  of  lan- 
guage, those  important  truths  contained  in  the  Bible  ; 
all  which  are  of  consequence  to  be  known,  rightly 
understood,  and  cordially  embraced  by  every  indi- 
vidual of  his  charge.  In  his  expositions  of  scripture, 
he  will  endeavour,  not  only  to  alarm  the  secure,  but 
to  instruct  the  inquiring  ;  will  lead  them  to  a  view 
of  Christ,  and  giving  them  no  encouragement  of 
safety  while  out  of  Christ  Jesus,  the  gospel  ark.  He 
'will  never  prophesy  smooth  things  to  lull  his  people 
into  security  :  for  his  commission  declares,  "  There 
is  no  peace  to  the  wicked  ;"  but  he  will  explain  the 
scriptures,  as  giving  not  the  least  encouragement  to 
sin,  nor  any  ground  to  hope  for  happiness  beyond 
the  grave,  only  in  the  sovereign  grace  of  God, 
jhough  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ. 


5 

The  minister  of  Jesus  is  not  only  to  teach  by  ex- 
pounding the  sacred  scriptures,  in  his  public  dis- 
courses, but  by  his  example.  "  Be  thou  an  example 
of  the  believers,"  said  Paul  to  Timothy.  It  is  no  less  a 
true  than  a  common  saying,  example  teaches  more 
powerfully  than  precept.  It  is  evident  from  lexpe- 
rience  and  observation,  that  however  faithfully  and 
clearly  the  scriptures  are  explained  by  a  minister,  if 
his  example  be  not  good,  he  will  not  only  destroy 
all  the  good  his  expositions  and  instructions  would 
have  been  calculated  to  produce,  had  his  example 
been  such  as  becomcth  tlie  gospel;  but  will  have  in- 
fluence on  the  minds  of  sinners,  and  serve  to  lead 
them  into  open  infidelity.  When  his  people  see  him 
re'jfardless  of  his  own  instructions,  and  manifesting' 
an  open  inattention  to  the  solemn  injunctions  of  the 
divine  word,  they  will  readily  say.  Our  minister  cer- 
tainly does  not  believe  it  to  be  important,  nor  even 
necessary,  to  live  according  to  the  directions  of  the 
Bible  ;  if  he  did,  he  would  not  exhibit  such  an  exam- 
ple before  us  of  disobedience  to  the  divine  word. 
He  does  not  conduct  in  conformity  to  the  rules  of 
scripture,  as  he  explains  them  to  us  ;  therefore  he 
does  not  believe  them  himself;  and  as  it  is  agreeable 
to  our  natural  inclinations,  we  also  will  disreirard 
them.  Although  he  has  taught  us  repeatedly,  that 
we  must  be  benevolent,  and  forgive  those  wlio  have 
injured  us,  or  we  cannot  be  the  children  of  our 
Father  who  is  in  heaven  ;  and  indeed  we  cannot 
deny  this  to  be  a  duty  plainly  and  repeatedly  incul- 
cated in  the  word  of  God  ;  yet  he  does  not  set  us  an 
example  of  obedience,  and  as  it  will  gratify  our  dis- 
positions, we  will  follow  his  example,  instead  of  his 
precepts. 

It  is  as  important  that  a  minister  exhibit  a  good 
example,  as  that  he  truly  expound  tlie  scriptures. 
For  if  his  example  contradict  his  preaching,  the  prob- 
ability is,  both  will  be  worse  than  in  vain,  and  serve 
to  harden  his  people  in  wickedness.  It  is  an  unde- 
niable truth,  that  every  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  who 
hath  any  just  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  scrip- 


tures  he  expounds,  will  also  feci  the  indispensable 
obligations  upon  him  to  exhibit  a  Christian  example. 
In  this  way  he  will  cause  his  light  to  shine,  that 
others  beholding  his  good  works,  his  pious  and  holy- 
example,  may  be  induced  to  glorify  God. 

He  will  also  teach  by  his  conversation,  Tn  private 
conversation,  the  minister  can  be  more  familiar,  and 
come  more  near  to  the  peculiar  cases  of  his  people ; 
can  better  adapt  his  discourse  to  their  circumstances, 
than  is  practicable  in  his  public  addresses.  His  con- 
versation among  his  people  ought  always  to  be  savo- 
ry, pure  and  serious.  It  never  should  be  vain  and 
idle,  calculated  to  render  useless  his  public  instruc- 
tions ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  such  as  will  be  in  accord- 
ance with  truth,  and  serve  to  recommend  the  pure 
doctrines  of  the  gospel  to  the  attention  and  accept- 
ance of  those  with  whom  he  converses.  The  direc- 
tion of  Paul  to  Timothy  was,  "  Be  thou  an  example 
of  the  believers  in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in 
spirit,  in  faith,  in  purity."  Hence  the  duty  of  a  holy 
conversation  in  all  the  ministers  of  Jesus  Christ.  The 
same  apostle,  writing  to  Titus,  said,  "  In  all  things^ 
showing  thyself  a  pattern  of  good  works  ;  in  doc- 
trine showing  uncorruptncss,  gravity,  sincerity, 
sound  speech  that  cannot  be  condemned  ;  that  he 
that  is  of  the  contrary  part  may  be  ashamed,  having 
no  evil  thing  to  say  of  you."  Thus  a  minister  is  to 
teach  his  people  in  a  threefold  manner  :  by  a  solemn 
exposition  of  the  sacred  scriptures,  by  a  holy  ex- 
ample, and  by  a  pious  conversation. 

We  may  note 

2.  The  subject  ma'tter  of  his  instructions ;  The 
ivord  of  God. 

The  word  of  God  contains  all  those  doctrines, 
commands,  precepts,  prohibitions,  promises  and 
threatenings  which  are  to  be  found  in  the  Bible. 
These  are  all  to  be  taught  by  a  minister  to  his  people, 
as  time  and  opportunity  shall  admit.  All  these 
things  must  be  brought  to  clear  view,  even  should 
not  his  continuance  with  his  people  give  him  oppor- 
tunity to  dwell  particularly  upon  every  distinct  sub- 


ject.  The  sacred  scripture,  which  is  the  word  of 
God,  is  an  extensive  field  from  which  the  minister 
may  gather  and  bring  to  his  people,  things  suitable 
for  them  in  every  condition.  In  that  field,  every 
thing  may  be  found  that  is  necessary.  There  is 
meat  for  men  ;  milk  for  babes  ;  medicine  for  the 
sick  ;  strength  for  the  weak  ;  instruction  for  the 
ignorant  ;  succour  for  the  tempted  ;  and  an  iiifalli- 
ble  direction  for  every  weary  traveller  who  is  pass- 
ing through  the  wilderness  of  this  world  to  Mount 
Zion.  There  are  way  marks  erected,  and  directions 
given,  impossible  to  be  misunderstood  by  any  one 
who  is  really  desirous  to  know  and  understand  the 
right  way.  And,  as  expressed  by  the  prophet 
Isaiah,  "  The  wayfaring  men,  though  fools,  shall  not 
err  therein.'* 

In  teaching  the  word  of  God,  a  minister  will  bring 
the  divine  character  into  clear  view,  and  exhibit 
God  as  a  being  possessed  of  every  adorable  attribute 
and  glorious  perfection ;  being  one  in  essence,  and 
yet  subsisting  in  three  undivided  persons  ;  according 
to  the  declaration  of  an  inspired  apostle,  1  John  v.  7. 
"  For  there  are  three  that  bear  record  in  heaven,  the 
Father,  the  Word,  and  the  Holy  Ghost :  and  these 
three  are  one.'*  However  high  and  mysterious  the 
doctrine  of  the  Trinity  in  Unity  may  be  to  us,  crea- 
tures but  of  yesterday,  as  it  is  a  doctrine  revealed, 
it  must  be  declared  ;  and  indeed  it  will  be,  by  every 
faithful  minister  of  God  our  Saviour.  The  c^odhead 
of  the  Father,  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost 
must  be  true,  or  the  scheme  of  salvation,  revealed  in 
the  gospel,  must  be  deficient,  and  can  never  an- 
swer the  purposes  for  which  it  was  intended. 

The  character  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 
the  one  God,  is  pure  and  holy.  This  God  possess- 
eth  the  glorious  attributes  ot  wisdom,  power,  holi- 
ness, justice,  goodness  and  truth.  He  is  omniscient 
and  omnipresent,  and  exerciseth  an  universal  gov- 
ernment over  all  worlds ;  requiring  cordial  obedi- 
ence of  all  his  rational  creatures  in  all  parts  of  his 
extensive   dominions.     As  God  is  infinite  in  being 


and  perfection,  is  the  creator  and  preserver  of  ali 
things,  so  he  is  the  Governor  and  Disposer  of  all 
creatures,  actions  and  things,  by  his  most  wise  and 
holy  providence  ;  working  all  things  after  the  coyn* 
sel  of  his  own  will. 

Another  truth  in  the  word  of  God,  the  minister 
will  teach  his  people,  is,  that  although  man  vi'^as 
jnade  after  the  image  of  him  who  created  him,  in 
knowledge,  righteousness,  and  true  holiness,  yet 
hath,  by  transgression,  fallen  from  his  primitive 
state,  become  wholly  destitute  of  God*s  moral 
image,  and  deserving  of  endless  wrath.  It  is  evi- 
dent that  all  men,  naturally,  possess  that  "carnal 
mind  which  is  enmity  against  God,  which  is  not 
subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  indeed  can  be." 
This  truth,  however  wounding  to  human  pride,  and 
however  much  it  may  expose  the  minister  to  the  jeer 
and  contempt  of  those  who  have  never  seen  the  awful 
depravity  of  their  own  hearts,  he  will,  in  a  plain  and 
solemn  manner,  exhibit  to  the  view  of  his  people ; 
for  he  must  know,  that  unless  they  become  sensible 
that  "  they  are  wretched,  and  miserable,  and  poor, 
and  blind,  and  naked,"  and  flee  to  the  gospel  ark, 
they  must  perish  in  the  deluge  of  divine  wrath. 
Love  to  God,  and  to  the  souls  of  his  people,  will  in- 
duce him  to  use  plainness  of  speech  on  this  subject. 

The  minister  will  also  feel  it  his  duty  to  teach  this 
scripture  truth,  that  although  men  are  rebels  against 
the  King  of  heaven,  they  are  capable  of  knowing 
and  doing  the  whole  of  their  duty,  were  their  hearts 
but  suitably  disposed  :  consequently  are  proper  sub- 
jects of  God's  moral  government,  and  without  ex- 
cuse for  every  degree  of  sin.  There  is  no  inability 
under  which  men  labour,  that  will  in  any  degree 
excuse  them  ;  because  the  whole  difficulty  lieth  in 
disaffection  of  heart  to  God ;  in  an  indisposition  to 
comply  with  gospel  requirements,  and  in  a  heart 
fully  set  in  them  to  do  evil. 

Another  prominent  doctrine  of  the  Bible  is,  that 
God  could  not,  consistently  with  his  law  and  charac- 
ter, save  an  individual  of  the  apostate  race  of  men 


without  an  atonement.  "Without  shedding  of 
blood  is  no  remission.**  Christ,  the  second  person 
in  the  adorable  trinity,  did  undertake  the  business ; 
offered  himself  as  a  sacrifice  for  sin,  by  which  offer- 
ing he  hath  made  it  consistent  for  the  Father  to  jus- 
tify every  one  who  believeth  in  his  Son  Jesus  Christ, 
and  opened  up  a  new  way  of  life,  out  of  which  there 
is  no  snlvation  for  an  individual  of  Adam's  guilty 
race.  This  plainly  revealed  doctrine,  the  minister 
will  teach  his  people  in  the  most  affectionate  manner, 
knowing  it  to  be  a  truth  essentially  necessary  for 
them  to  understand  and  believe. 

He  will  also  teach  them  another,  no  less  import- 
ant doctrine  of  the  word  of  God.  That  although  the 
way  is  opened,  and  all  are  invited,  yea,  even  com- 
manded, to  return  to  God  through  Christ,  that  they 
may  live  ;  yet  all  men  are  naturally  so  opposed  to 
God,  in  their  hearts,  and  to  the  scheme  Df  salvation  by 
Jesus  Christ,  which  exalts  God  and  humbles  the  crea- 
ture, that  they  will  forever  perish,  unless  prevented 
by  the  sovereign  grace  of  that  God  who  "  hath 
mercy  on  whom  he  will  have  mercy." 

In  connexion  with  this,  he  will  also  teach,  that 
God,  in  holy  sovereignty,  in  his  own  time  and  way, 
by  the  energetic  operation  of  his  Holy  Spirit,  will 
draw  to  Jesus  Christ  all  those  to  whom  he  will  give 
eternal  life ;  and  that  this  is  wholly  of  God's  free, 
rich,  and  abounding  grace.  "  Not  of  works,  lest 
any  man  should  boast."  That  regeneration,  or  being 
born  again,  is  a  change  wrought  in  the  heart  of  man, 
by  the  agency  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  and  that  such  is 
the  native  enmity  of  the  carnal  mind  against  God, 
not  an  individual  of  mankind  can  ever  be  admitted 
into  the  kinsfdom  of  heaven,  unless  he  is  made  to 
experience  this  change,  and  to  possess,  in  this  life, 
a  holy  temper  of  heart. 

The  minister  of  Christ  will  not  only  state  and 
prove  the  afore-mentioned  doctrines  of  God's  word, 
but  will  also  endeavour  to  enforce  them  upon  his 
people  by  the  solemn  considerations  of  a  general  re- 

B 


10 

surrectlon  of  the  dead,  and  a  future  judgment ;  at 
which  time  all  true  believers  in  Jesus  will  be  receiv- 
ed into  the  everlasting  joys  of  their  Lord,  and  all 
who  Hve  and  die  impenitent  in  sin  shall  be  rejected, 
and  consigned  over  to  endless  punishment ;  "  Who 
shall  be  punished  with  everlasting  destruction  from 
the  presence  of  the  Lord,  and  from  the  glory  of  his 
power." 

The  truths  that  have  been  brought  to  view  are  not 
doubtful,  although  they  are  much  disputed  ;  for  they 
are  written,  as  with  a  sun-beam,  in  the  volume  of 
sacred  inspiration  ;  and  one  would  think  they  must 
be  seen  by  every  candid  searcher  after  moral  truth ; 
and  they  will  be  cordially  loved  and  embraced  by 
every  pious  mind. 

The  minister  of  Jesus,  from  a  sense  of  duty  to  his 
God,  to  his  people,  and  to  his  own  soul,  will  not 
shun  to  declare  all  the  revealed  counsel  of  Heaven. 
This  he  will  endeavour  to  do,  "  not  in  the  words 
which  man's  wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy 
Ghost  teacheth  ;  comparing  spiritual  things  with 
spiritual."  Feeling  desirous  of  being  a  humble  in- 
strument, in  the  hand  of  God,  of  promoting  the 
divine  glory,  in  the  salvation  of  his  dear  people,  he 
will  study  to  preach  the  unadulterated  word  of  God  ; 
in  opposition  to  tradition.  Although  he  may  avail 
himself  of  the  best  expositors,  yet  he  will  be  careful 
to  call  no  man  father  ;  and  he  will  follow  none  where 
he  imagines  they  depart  from  the  simplicity  of  the 
gospel.  All  traditionary  notions  and  pre-conceived 
opinions  which  will  not  bear  examination  by  the 
light  of  truth,  will  find  no  place  in  his  discourses  ; 
but  he  will  reject  them  as  mere  rubbish,  compared 
with  the  truths  so  prominent  in  the  gospel  revelation. 

The  true  minister  of  Jesus  will  also  preach  the  word 
of  God  in  opposition  to  heresy  and  impure  mixtures. 
He  will  be  careful  not  to  corrupt  the  word,  by  en- 
deavouring to  make  it  speak  a  language  contrary  to 
its  most  plain  and  obvious  meaning.  It  will  be  his 
prayerful  solicitude  to  light  his  lamp  at  the  pure 
source  of  trutJi ;  that  the  light  of  doctrine  he  com- 


11 

municates  may  be  pure  and  briglit ;  that  it  may 
shine  with  steady  though  increasing  lustre,  and  not 
be  eclipsed  with  any  heresy,  or  rendered  variable  by 
any  impure  ingredients. 

Carnal  reasoning  he  will  reject,  as  not  tending  to 
godly  edifying.  Remembering  that  "  cursed  be  he 
that  doth  the  work  of  the  Lord  deceitfully,"  it  will 
be  his  studious  and  prayerful  endeavour  to  be  found 
faithful.  Like  holy  Paul,  he  will  be  bold  in  his  God 
to  speak  to  his  people  the  gospel  of  God  with  much 
engagedncss,  that  he  may  be  able  to  adopt  the  apos- 
tolic language,  and  say,  "  My  exhortation  was  not  of 
deceit,  nor  of  uncleanness,  nor  in  guile  :  but  as  I 
was  allowed  of  God  to  be  put  in  trust  with  the  gos- 
pel, even  so  I  speak,  not  as  pleasing  men,  but  God, 
who  trieth  my  heart." 

It  will  be  his  study  to  teach  his  people  the  whole 
system  of  Christian  doctrines  and  duties,  in  opposition 
to  partiality.     He  will  not  dare  to  dwell  solely  on 
some  more  plain  and  easy  subjects,  while  lie  neglects 
others  more  di/licult.     Those  doctrines  that  serve  to 
exalt  free  and  sovereign  grace,  and  tend  to  humble 
the  pride  of  man  ;  which  serve  to  show  man  his  true 
character  as  a  rebel  against  God,  and   the  only  way 
of  salvation  through  a  crucified  Saviour,  however 
contrary  to  the  wishes  of  his  people,  and  the  feelings 
of  the  corrupt  heart,  he  will  not  shun  to  teach  and  de- 
clare, with  great  plainness  of  speech  ;  because  he  feels 
himself  accountable  to  his  Lord  and  Master,  for  the 
manner  in  which  he  discharges  his  ministerial  func- 
tions.    Thus  he  will,  if  faithful,  teach  the  word  of 
God  to  every  man,  and  warn  every  man  ;  and  will 
be  careful  to  do  nothing  by  partiality,  that   he  may 
approve  himself  to  God,  and  to  every  man*s  con- 
science as  in  the  sight  of  God. 
We  pass  to  consider,  as  proposed, 
II.     That  however  short  the  time  of  any  minister's 
1  ibours  among  a  people,  yet  that  time  is  important. 
The  truth  of  this  proposition  is  evident  from  this 
single  consideration,  viz.     If  it  were  not  important, 
tlie'  particular  time  of  Paul's  continuance  at  Corinth 


12 

would  not  have  been  mentioned  in  the  sacred  scrip- 
tures, where  nothing  is  mentioned  in  vain.  But 
here  it  becomes  us  to  consider  in  what  respects  the 
time  of  a  minister*s  continuance  among  a  people  is 
important.     It  is  so  in  various  respects : 

1st.  Because  by  teaching  in  the  manner  above 
mentioned,  something  of  God's  glorious  character, 
and  plan  of  grace  by  Jesus  Christ  are  manifested. 
In  teaching  the  word,  it  is  impossible  but  that  the 
character  of  God  should  be  brought  to  view  ;  for  it 
is  God's  word  that  is  taught.  Whenever  vi^e  are 
conversant  with  any  writings,  we  generally  learn 
something  of  the  character  of  their  author,  by  the 
subjects  they  contain,  and  the  manner  in  which  he 
treats  them ;  even  though  nothing  particularly  re- 
lating to  his  character  should  be  expressed.  But  es- 
pecially should  we  learn  it,  if  the  writer  had  been 
particular  in  his  description  of  himself.  That  God 
hath  done  this,  in  his  word,  every  page  in  that  sacred 
book  testiiieth  :  and  that  teacher  of  the  word,who  is 
engaged  rightly  to  divide  the  word  of  truth,  cannot 
fail  in  every  discourse,  either  explicitly  or  implicitly 
to  bring  into  view  some  one  or  more  perfection  be- 
longing to  God's  glorious  character.  In  the  plan  of 
grace,  by  Jesus  Christ,  the  character  of  God  shines 
with  peculiar  brightness,  as  a  God  of  boundless  com- 
passion and  mercy,  as  well  as  of  justice  and  truth. 
In  this  wonderful  scheme  into  which  angels  desire 
to  look,  the  wisdom,  power,  and  goodness  of  God 
are  displayed  ;  and  the  teacher  of  the  word  cannot 
but  dwell  with  enraptured  delight  upon  that  glorious 
plan  of  grace,  by  Jesus  Christ,  revealed  in  the  gospel, 
for  the  salvation  of  apostate  men,  which  might  well 
astonish  angelic  hosts. 

That  preacher  who  can,  from  sabbath  to  sabbath 
pass  along,  without  bringing  to  view  the  purity  and 
holiness  of  God ;  his  opposition  to  all  sin,  and  his 
determination  to  punish  it ;  his  love  of  holiness, 
and  designs  of  mercy  to  the  penitent  ;  who  can 
neglect  saying  any  thing  respecting  the  divinity  of 
Christ,  which  would  give  his  people  to  understand 


13 

what  his  sentiments  of  Christ  are,  must  meet  with 
much  difficulty ;  for  these  truths  will  meet  him  on 
every  page  of  that  word  he  pretends  to  teach  ;  and 
it  must  require  much  ingenuity,  and  no  less  disaffec- 
tion of  heart  to  the  true  scheme  of  grace  by  Jesus 
Christ,  to  teach  things  which  serve  to  bring  the  de- 
mands of  the  law  and  gospel  down  to  the  feelings  of 
corrupt  nature,  and  the  character  of  God  our  Sa- 
viour on  a  level  with  that  of  man.  Such  will  not 
be  the  teaching  of  a  true  minister  of  Jesus  Christ ; 
but,  however  short  the  time  may  be  of  his  continu- 
ance among  a  people,  God's  true  character,  and  the 
gospel  scheme  of  gvace,  will  be  brought  to  view  in  a 
clear,  scriptural  light,  and  held  up  to  them  in  the 
most  affectionate  and  en^jao-ins;  manner. 

'^d.  Because  the  terms  of  acceptance  with  God 
are  proposed  for  their  reception. 

To  those  who  live  where  the  light  of  the  gospel 
never  shined,  and  where  no  information  respecting 
the  character  of  God,  the  plan  of  salvation,  and  the 
terms  of  acceptance  with  the  Lord  is  communicated, 
except  what  is  learned  from  the  light  of  nature,  time, 
comparatively,  is  of  little  importance.  But  to  those 
who  Uve  under  gospel  light ;  who  do  or  might  enjoy 
continual  opportunities  of  learning  the  way  of  life  ; 
who  have  the  terms  of  acceptance  with  God  presented 
before  them,  and  are  urged  by  all  the  most  powerful 
arguments  and  motives  to  comply,  every  moment  is 
precious,  and  ought  to  be  rightly  improved.  Every 
individual,  who  lives  where  the  gospel  is  faithfully 
preached,  hath  the  terms  of  acceptance  with  God 
proposed  to  him,  even  though  he  should  be  so 
abandoned  to  sin,  that  he  will  not  come  to  the  house 
of  worship  to  hear.  He  must  be  accountable,  not 
only  for  what  he  did  hear,  but  also  for  all  he  might 
have  heard,  of  the  way  of  life  and  salvation  by  Jesus 
Christ. 

In  the  preaching  of  the  gospel,  repentance  and 
faith  are  proclaimed  as  the  terms  of  salvation,  or  as 
those  exercises  without  which  salvation  can  never 
be  obtained. 


14 

Sinners  are  urged  to  these  exercises,  by  every  mo- 
tive that  can  influence  an  ingenuous  mind  ;  urged 
by  the  love  of  God  the  Father  in  providing  a  Sa- 
viour, and  giving  him  as  a  propitiatory  sacrifice  for 
sin ;  by  the  dying  love  and  compassion  of  God  the 
Son ;  and  by  the  glories  of  heaven  and  the  terrors 
of  hell,  to  accept  of  that  salvation  w^hich  was  procur- 
ed, by  a  bleeding  Saviour,  on  Calvary's  mount. 
They  are  also  ui*ged  to  accept  the  terms  of  the  gospel, 
and  become  reconciled  to  God,  by  the  operation  of 
the  Holy  Spirit  on  their  hearts.  All  these,  and  many 
Other  things^  are  proposed  to  the  consideration  of 
sinners,  in  the  preaching  of  the  M^ord  :  therefore, 
however  short  the  term  of  time,  in  which  you  are 
taught  the  way  of  life,  and  urged  to  a  compliance 
with  gospel  requirements,  that  time  is  of  great 
importance. 

tid.  k  is  important,  because  those  who  refuse  to 
hear  and  obey  are  hardened  in  sin.  Under  the 
Xneans  of  grace,  it  is  impossible  for  sinners  to  remain 
stationary.  Evil  men  and  seducers,  yea,  all  impeni- 
tent sinners,  under  whatever  means  they  may  live, 
wax  worse  and  worse.  So  long  as  sinners  continue 
to  slight  gospel  calls ;  set  at  nought  God's  counsel 
land  disregard  his  reproofs,  they  rapidly  increase  in 
tiardness.  The  more  frequently  they  are  called,  the 
4ess  attention  they  manifest.  The  oftener  they 
are  threatened,  the  less  they  regard  the  threatening. 
Every  compassionate  call  of  God  that  is  disregarded, 
and  every  denunciation  of  wrath  that  is  contemned, 
Serves  to  increase  the  weight  of  guilt,  and  sink  the 
'sinner  into  hardness  of  heart,  and  blindness  of  mind, 
Stupidity  and  insensibility  increase  in  some  pro- 
|)ortion  to  the  number  of  calls  disregarded,  and  com- 
4nands  disobeyed.  After  long  continued  courses  of 
disobedience,  conscience  will  become  less  faithful ; 
and  the  sinner  will  commit  iniquity  with  less  re- 
morse. That  every  voluntary  act  of  disobedience 
serves  to  harden  the  heart,  and  render  the  sinner's 
case  more  awfully  hazardous,  is  evident  from  facts 
or  examples,  too  frequently  before  our  eyes,  and  also 


15 

from  scripture  testimony,  "  Can  the  Ethiopian 
change  his  skin,  or  the  leopard  his  spots ;  then  may 
ye  also  do  good,  that  are  accustomed  to  do  evil. 
A  solemn  consideration  to  those  who  are  continually 
rejecting  the  messages  of  God,  and  refusing  obedi- 
ence to  the  precepts  of  the  gospel,  brought  them  by 
the  fairliful  ministers  of  Christ.  A  consideration  that 
ought  to  excite  every  one  to  immediate  repentance, 
faith  and  new  obedience,  lest  he  should  become  more 
"  hardened  through  the  deceitfulness  of  sin." 

4th.  The  time  of  a  minister's  continuance  with 
a  people  is  important,  because  the  faithful  among 
them  are  built  up  in  holiness.  By  a  pious  ministry, 
the  righteous  are  nourished  up  in  the  way  of  life. 
In  the  sanctuary  tliey  learn  more  and  more  of  God*s 
character  ;  of  the  extent  and  spirituality  of  his  holy 
law  ;  of  the  plan  of  grace  by  Jesus  Christ ;  of  the 
rich  and  distinguishing  grace  of  God  towards  some 
of  the  guilty  race  of  men  ;  and  are  led  to  humility 
under  a  sense  of  their  unworthiness  and  ill-dfesert. 
They  are  also  brought  to  adore  and  glorify  that  holy 
Being  who  hath,  in  sovereign  love  and  compassion, 
delivered  them  out  of  the  darkness  and  defilement 
of  sin,  placed  them  in  the  light  of  his  countenance, 
and  adorned  them  with  the  spotless  robe  of  Christ's 
righteousness.  With  an  abiding  impression  of  these 
truths  on  their  minds,  they  see  the  importance  of  a 
holy  walk,  and  are  animated  to  live  as  blam.elessly 
as  possible,  in  an  observance  of  all  the  ordinances 
and  statutes  of  the  Lord.  Their  delight  is  in  the 
law  of  the  Lord  ;  and  the  word  of  God  is  sweet  to 
their  souls.  The  meek  will  God  teach  his  way  ; 
and  his  word  will  do  good  to  the  upright.  "  It 
pleaseth  God  by  the  foolishness  of  preaching  to  save 
them  that  believe."  Through  the  instrumentality 
of  the  word  preached,  God  is  building  up  true  be- 
lievers in  holiness,  and  preparing  them  to  be  pillars 
in  the  temple  above :  therefore,  to  them,  every  op- 
portunity to  hear  the  word  of  life  is  important 
and  highly  valuable. 

5th.     Antnhcr  thing  that  mak<:s  the  time  of  ;i 


16 

minister's  continuance  among  a  people  important, 
however  short  it  may  be,  is,  the  future  happiness  or 
misery  of  all  who  hear,  is  infinitely  concerned. 

The  faithful  minister  Of  Christ  will  feel,  in  some 
good  measure,  the  weight  of  his  charge  j  and,  know- 
ing the  consequences  of  his  ministry  will  extend 
into  eternity,  he  must  be  desirous  of  feeding  his 
people  wath  knowledge,  and  of  instructing  them 
into  the  most  important  doctrines  in  Christian 
theology.  He  will  not  attempt  to  amuse  them  with 
things  of  no  profit,  but  will  endeavor  to  teach  them 
the  way  of  life  truly.  The  word  preached  will  be, 
as  an  apostle  expresseth  it,  "  either  a  savor  of  life 
unto  life,  or  of  deatli  unto  death,"  to  those  who 
hear.  Under  the  means  with  which  God  is  pleased 
to  favour  people,  they  are  forming  characters  for 
eternity  ;  are  training  up,  under  the  nurturing  in- 
fluences of  divine  ordinances,  for  that  society  which 
will  eternally  increase  in  holiness  and  happiness  ;  or 
under  all  the  meansGod  is  using  with  them,  are  ripen- 
ing for  a  more  awful  and  aggravated  condemnation, 
at  the  last  day  ;  at  which  solemn  period  they  will  be 
sentenced  to  depart  into  everlasting  fire,  where  shall 
be  weeping  and  gnashing  of  teeth  ;  and  where  the 
smoke  of  their  torment  will  ascend  forever  and  ever. 
How  important,  then,  is  even  the  shortest  space  of 
time  people  enjoy  the"ministry  of  reconciliation. 

APPLICATION. 

1.  We  are  led  to  reflect,  as  well  in  view  of  our 
subject,  as  on  this  particular  occasion,  on  the  rela- 
tion which  hath  subsisted  between  us.  I  have  been 
among  you,  as  your  pastor  and  teacher,  for  the  space 
of  one  year  and  six  months.  And  with  what  fideUty 
I  have  fulfilled  my  duty  to  you,  as  a  teacher  of  the 
way  of  life,  God  is  witness,  and  ye  are  witnesses. 
But  the  connexion  is  now  dissolved  :    therefore, 

2.  Serious  examination  becometh  us.  It  becomes 
me  to  examine  with  seriousness,  how  I  have  dis- 
charged my  duty  as  a  watchman  on  this  important 
part  of  the  wall  of  God's  spiritual  Jerusalem  j  and 


17 

with  what  views.  Although  I  may  not  have  dwelt, 
distinctly,  upon  every  particular  doctrine  and  pre- 
cept of  God's  word  ;  yet  I  trust,  you  can  bear  me 
witness,  that  they  have  been  brought  to  view,  and 
their  importance  described.  The  character  of  the 
Triune  God,  as  a  holy  sovereign,  "  having  mercy  on 
whom  he  will  have  mercy,"  and  hardening  whom 
he  will ;  the  character  of  man  as  an  apostate  from 
God,  destitute  of  every  degree  of  holiness,  and  pos- 
sessing a  "  carnal  mind,  which  is  enmity  against 
God  ;"  the  importance  of  regeneration,  wrought  by 
the  special  agency  of  the  Holy  Ghost ;  the  neces- 
sity of  immediate  repentance  and  faith  ;  and  of  a 
gospel  walk,  have  been  exhibited,  as  the  subjects 
which  have  been  under  consideration,  will  testify. 
The  feelings  and  the  exercises  of  the  real  child  of 
God  have  been  very  particularly  and  repeatedly  des- 
cribed, as  being  in  the  preacher's  apprehension, better 
calculated  to  force  conviction  upon  the  mind  of  a 
sinner,  of  his  being  totally  destitute  of  a  Christian 
temper,  than  any  other  one  method  that  could  be 
adopted.  Although  the  increase  is  wholly  of  God, 
and  ministers  cannot  cause  one  soul  to  repent  and 
believe  ;  yet,  your  preacher  hath  not  considered 
that  as  any  reason  why  he  should  relax  his  exer- 
tions ;  but  rather  as  a  stimulus  to  be  faithful  in  duty, 
and  to  look  to  God,  that  he  would  appear  for  your 
help,  that  you  perish  not.  He  hath,  it  is  believed, 
in  some  measure,  felt  the  importance  of  obeying 
that  command,  "  Go  and  preach  unto  them  the 
preaching  that  I  bid  thee,"  and  he  hath  been  willing 
to  leave  the  issue  with  him  who  is  the  sovereign  Dis- 
poser of  events.  Yet  he  seeth  great  occasion,  and 
desireth  to  be  humble,  that  he  hath  been  no  more 
engaged  and  importunate  in  urging  sinners  to  be- 
come reconciled  to  God.  O  God  !  pardon  thy  ser- 
vant !     Brethren,  forgive  him  this  wronoc. 

Serious  examination  also  becometh  you^  once  the 
people  of  my  charge.  Hath  it  been  your  hearty 
desire  to  gain  instruction  in  the  great  things  which 

C 


18 

relate  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  everlasting  fe- 
licity of  your  own  souls ;  that  you  might  better  un- 
derstand your  duty,  and  bring  a  greater  revenue  of 
glory  to  your  Lord,  by  a  stricter  walk,  and  a  more 
uniform  obedience  to  his  precepts  and  commands  ? 
— That  you  might  obtain  more  light  and  knowl- 
edge, and  be  enabled  the  better  to  recommend  the 
religion  professed  and  taught  among  you,  to  those 
with  whom  you  are  connected  ;  and  that  you  might 
cause  an  example  of  holy  obedience  to  shine  more 
equally  and  increasingly  bright  before  others,  that 
they,  beholding  you  labour  of  love  and  good  works, 
might  be  induced  to  glorify  your  and  their  Father, 
who  is  in  heaven  ?  Hath  it  been  the  rejoicing  of 
your  hearts,  at  the  return  of  every  Lord's  day,  to 
appear  in  the  assembly  of  his  people,  and  here  unite 
in  the  solemnities  of  divine  worship  ?  Hath  it  been 
your  grief,  when  you  have  been  necessarily  detained 
from  divine  service  ? 

Have  you  been  made  sensible  of  your  lost  and 
criminal  condition  as  sinners  against  God  ?  Or  are 
you  still  regardless  of  the  God  who  made  you,  and 
lightly  esteeming  the  Rock  of  your  salvation  ?  It 
certainly  becomes  you  to  examine  how  the  case  now 
stands  between  God  and  your  souls.  What  im- 
provement have  you  made  of  my  ministrations,  dur- 
ing the  period  of  a  year  and  six  months,  in  which 
I  have  been  "  teaching  the  word  of  God  among 
you  ?**  Have  you  been  "  nourished  up  in  the  words 
of  faith,**  and  been  made  more  spiritual,  and  more 
heavenly  minded  ?  If  so,  you  have  reason  to  rejoice 
and  give  glory  to  God  ;  and  to  manifest  by  your 
future  life  and  conversation  the  high  sense  you  en- 
tertain of  God's  goodness,  in  giving  you  so  long  a 
standing  in  his  vineyard.  But  if  you  find,  on  ex- 
amination, that  you  have  not  profited  by  the  word 
preached,  and  that  you  are  still  under  the  power  of 
an  evil  heart ;  strangers  to  experimental  religion, 
your  case  is  truly  alarming  ;  and  you  ought  to 
make  no  delay,  but  haste  for  your  lives  to  the  cit)^ 
of  refuge,  before  tha  avenger  of  blood  overtake  you. 


19 

Linger  not  a  moment  longer  in  the  meads  of  fasci- 
nating pleasures,  lest  you  b^  surfeited  and  sink  down 
into  the  lap  of  every  sinfal  indulgence,  and  at  last 
awake  from  your  reveries,  in  the  fire  that  never  shall 
be  quenched. 

The  consequences  of  the  connexion  which  hath 
subsisted  between  us  are  important ;  and  they  will 
be  eternal.  They  will  be  for  the  glory  of  God ; 
and  if  we  have  been  actuated  by  pure  motives,  and 
have  faithfully  performed  the  duties  incumbent  on 
us  respectively,  our  hoHness  and  happiness  will  be 
promoted  in  this  world,  and  in  the  world  to  come, 
our  endless  felicity.  But  if  we  have  been  governed, 
in  our  conduct  in  this  connexion,  by  selfish  views, 
and  to  promote  unsuitable  purposes,  or  to  obtain  any 
sinister  objects,  the  consequences  will  be  no  less  im- 
portant ;  for  even  in  that  case,  God  will  be  glorified, 
and  his  justice  wonderfully  displayed,  in  our  endless 
destruction,  unless  we  improve  the  present  time  in 
deep  humiliation  and  hearty  repentance.  It  there- 
fore becomes  each  of  us,  with  much  prayerfulness 
and  deep  searchings  of  heart,  to  review  every  part 
of  our  conduct ;  how,  and  with  what  views  I  have 
taught  the  word  of  God  among  you  ;  and  how  you 
have  heard  and  profited  by  it.  Let  us  ask  forgive- 
ness of  God,  in  every  thing  in  which  we  have 
come  ;ihort  of  our  duly  ;  and  heartily  seek  his  direc- 
tion and  assistance  in  all  our  future  conduct. 

3.  Our  subject  affords  consolation  under  many  of 
the  changes  through  which  we  arc  called  to  pass  on 
our  journey  through  this  world.  It  supposeth  there 
may  be  changes,  and  frequent  changes  of  ministers, 
Paul,  though  caressed  and  beloved  by  all  the  friends  of 
Jesus  where  he  was  called  to  preach  the  gospel  of  the 
kingdom,  was  not  allowed  to  continue  long  in  any  one 
place,  God  having  important  purposes  to  answer  by 
his  removal.  Thus  it  hath  been  in  every  succeeding 
period  of  the  church.  If  ministers  of  Christ  have  not 
generally  been  removed  from  place  to  place,  as  were 
the  apostles  in  the  first  ages  of  the  Christian  era  ;  yet 
changes  have  frequently  taken  place.     (Aving  to  va- 


20 

rious  causes,  ministers  have  been  separated  from  their 
people,  suddenly  ;  and  fiot  unfrequently  by  death. 
JBut  under  such  adverse  scenes  of  Providence,  if  peo- 
ple place  their  happiness  in  the  highest  good  of  God*s 
kingdom,  it  will  be  the  ultimate  object  of  every  right 
desire  of  their  hearts.  However  dark  the  dispensa- 
tions of  heaven  may  be,  yet  the  pious  mind  will  re- 
main in  peace  ;  knowing  all  events  are  ordered  by  the 
Lord  ;  and  will,  in  the  general  issue,  terminate  for  the 
good  of  the  universe.  It  will  rejoice,  because  "  the 
Lord  God  omnipotent  reigneth.*' 

It  is  of  small  consequence,  my  brethren,  by  whom, 
if  the  word  of  God  be  really  taught  and  obeyed.  Paul 
may  plant,  and  Apollos  may  water,  in  vain,  unless 
God  should  give  the  increase.  Christians  are  God's 
workmanship  ;  and  it  is  of  no  great  consequence, 
by  what  instruments  he  carries  on  his  work.  If 
the  pure  doctrines  of  the  gospel  are  taught  and 
obeyed,  God  will  be  glorified,  and  souls  trained  up, 
by  divine  influences,  into  a  meetness  for  heavenly 
joys.  Although  it  is  of  little  consequence  by  whom 
the  word  is  faithfully  taught,  yet  you  may  expect 
that  minister  will  be  unfaithful,  who  has  not  an 
experimental  acquaintance  with  divine  things : 
therefore,  it  is  important  that  every  minister  should 
have  the  love  of  God  a,  ruling  principle  in  his  heart ; 
as  this  would  lead  him  to  fidelity  in  the  discharge  of 
ministerial  duties. 

I  hope  you  may,  through  the  blessing  of  God  on 
your  endeavours,  obtain  a  pastor,  who  will  be 
made  an  instrument  of  greater  good  in  the  cause 
of  Christ  and  of  souls,  than  I  have  been  ;  one 
who  may  be  made  by  the  great  Head  of  the  church, 
a  burning  and  shining  light  in  this  golden  candle- 
stick ;  and  may  many  here  rejoice  in  his  light.  May 
you  have  the  consolation  of  receiving  one  who  shall 
more  than  restore  the  breach  that  is  now  made ; 
one  who  will  manifest,  by  his  preaching  and  conver- 
sation, that  the  love  of  God  is  a  ruling  principle  in 
his  heart,  and  that  his  greatest  desire  is  to  promote 
the  glory  of  his  Lord  and  Master,  in  the  salvation  of 
your  souls. 


21 

4.  As  my  relation  to  you  is  now  dissolved,  by  a 
venerable  ecclesiastical  council,  mutually  chosen  ;  let 
the  exhort  you,  in  view  of  this  subject,  to  make  all 
laudable  exertions  to  obtain  a  minister  who  will 
preach  the  word  of  God  in  the  manner  that  hath 
been  mentioned. 

The  settlement  of  a  gospel  minister  is  one  of  the 
most  important  transactions  in  which  a  people  can 
be  employed  in  this  Hfe.  It  is  important  to  the  min- 
ister himself,  and  important  to  the  people  with 
whom  he  is  connected,  because  eternal  consequences 
are  depending.  In  settling  a  minister,  let  me  be- 
seech you,  to  have  a  particular  regard  to  experi- 
mental piety, exemplary  conduct,  and  sound  doctrine. 
Although  you  cannot  certainly  know  the  heart,  yet 
you  may  learn  something  respecting  its  exercises,  by 
the  external  conduct  and  conversation,  and  the 
doctrines  a  minister  may  inculcate.  Beware  of  one 
who  does  not  bring  into  view  the  great  and  leading 
doctrines  of  the  gospel;  one  who  saith  little  or 
nothing  respecting  the  pure  and  holy  character  of 
God,  the  divinity  of  Christ,  and  the  atonement  he 
hath  made  ;  one  who  is  silent  on  the  doctrines  of 
sovereign  grace,  on  man's  natural  enmity  against 
God,  and  the  necessity  of  a  change  of  heart,  wrought, 
not  by  light  or  moral  suasion,  but  by  the  special 
agency  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  for  you  may  rest  assured, 
that  he,  who  doth  not  openly  avow  these  sentiments, 
but  keepeth  them  out  of  sight,  in  his  preaching  and 
conversation,  neglecteth  those  parts  of  his  duty 
which  are  most  important,  and  giveth  just  occasion 
for  you  to  suspect  he  has  not  an  experimental  ac- 
quaintance with  the  awful  depravity  of  the  human 
heart,  and  that  he  is  a  stranger  to  the  work  of  grace 
on  his  own  soul ;  and  indeed,  that  he  hath  very  im- 
perfect, if  any,  ideas  of  the  infinite  importance  of  vi- 
tal piety. 

Take  heed  that  ye  be  not  deceived  in  this  highly 
interesting  business  of  choosing  a  minister.  You 
must  not  be  governed,  in  this  matter,  by  a  desire  to 
obtain  one  who  will  help  to  amuse  you  in  the  ways 


22 

and  practices  of  sin,  and  to  keep  conscience  from  be- 
ing awaked  to  an  execution  of  her  office  ;  one  vvl^Q 
will  prophesy  smooth  things,  and  make  the  way  tQ 
heaven  so  easy,  that  it  will  be  almost  if  not  quite 
impossible  to  fall  short  of  eternal  bliss :  for,  the  touch 
of  such  an  one  is  poison,  and  his  embrace  is  death. 

Let  it  be  your  earnest  solicitude  to  obtain  a  spirit- 
ual guide  and  instructor,  who  will  with  prudence 
and  plainness  show  you  the  right  way  of  the  Lord  : 
who  will  point  out  your  sin  and  danger,  and  lead  you 
to  the  ever  full  and  ever  flowing  fountain  of  Christ's 
blood  for  pardon  and  for  cleansing  ;  one  who  will 
not  shun  to  declare  unto  you  the  whole  revealed 
counsel  of  God  ;  who  will  faithfully  warn  you  not 
to  trust  in  your  own  doings  for  salvation,  but  in  the 
mercy  of  God,  through  the  merits  of  Jesus  Christ : 
one  who  will  not  only  be  apostolic  in  his  preaching, 
but  holy  and  heavenly  in  his  life  and  conversation  : 
one  who  will  cordially  comply  with  the  apostolic 
exhortation,  and  show  himself  "  a  pattern  of  good 
works  ;  in  doctrine  showing  uncorruptness,  gravity, 
sincerity, — sound  speech  that  cannot  be  condem- 
ned ;  that  he  who  is  of  the  contrary  part  may  be 
ashamed,  having  no  evil  thing  to  say  of  him." 

Having,  by  the  blessing  of  God  on  your  endeav- 
ours, obtained  such  an  one  to  minister  to  you  in 
holy  things,  pay  constant  attendance  upon,  and  atten- 
tion to,  his  instructions.  "Forsake  not  the  assem- 
bling of  yourselves  together,  as  the  manner  of  some 
is  :"  for,  should  you  forsake  the  house  of  worship, 
you  will  discourage  your  minister,  and  give  him 
melancholy  occasion  to  complain,  in  the  language  of 
the  prophet,  "  I  have  laboured  in  vain,  I  have  spent 
my  strength  for  nought,  and  in  vain.*'  Let  him 
see,  and  have  evidence,  by  your  constant  and  seriojas 
attendance  upon  his  tc;{ching,  and  by  your  holy  con- 
versation and  exemplary  walk,  that  you  profit  by 
his  labours  ;  and  that  you  "  esteem  him  very  highly 
in  love  for  his  works'  sake."  Let  not  his  instruc- 
tions fall  upon  you,  like  seed  by  the  way-side,  or 
upon  a  rock  j  but  may  tliey  find  an  entrance  into 


23 

good  and  honest  hearts,  that  fruit,  in  rich  abund- 
ance, may  be  produced  to  the  glory  of  God,  the  di- 
vine Husbandman,  and  to  your  unspeakable  peace 
and  endless  happiness.  Your  dearest,  your  immor- 
tal interests  are  concerned,  in  a  right  improvement 
of  all  ministerial  instructions.  Be  wise  in  time  for 
eternity. 

Your  aged  and  venerable  pastor,  who  has  grown 
grey  in  your  service,  although  unable  to  instruct  you 
from  this  sacred  desk,  yet  can  do  it  in  private  con- 
versation ;  and  he  must  certainly  feel  himself  bound, 
by  the  most  sacred  ties,  to  watch  for  souls  as  one  who 
must  give  account :  and  you  are  under  no  less  sol- 
emn obligations  to  hear,  receive  and  obey  his  scrip- 
tural instructions.  Be  not  forgetful  of  those  truths 
you  have  repeatedly  heard  from  his  lips  ;  but  may 
he  observe  them  having  influence  on  your  hearts 
and  lives.  May  he  continue  to  experience  your 
kindnesses  which  have  been  numerous ;  his  declin- 
ing sun  set  in  smiles  ;  and  his  falling  mantle  rest  on 
some  Elisha  who  shall  be  bold  in  the  Lord  to  declare 
unto  you  the  messages  of  heaven  ;  whose  example 
shall  be  luminous,  and  whose  conversation  such  as 
becometh  the  gospel  of  God  our  Saviour. 

Let  no  root  of  bitterness  be  suffered  to  spring  up 
to  trouble  you.  "  Be  at  peace  among  yourselves.'* 
"  Be  perfect,  be  of  good  comfort,  be  of  one  mind, 
live  in  peace  ;  and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  shall 
be  with  you." 

Whilst  I  bid  adieu  to  the  dear  children  of  God 
who  are  training  up,  through  the  nurturing  influ- 
ences of  divine  ordinances,  for  heavenly  glory,  1  do 
it  with  feelings  very  different  from  those  1  experi- 
ence when  taking  leave  of  those  of  you  who  arc  yet 
in  your  sins  ;  strangers  to  the  pure  pleasures  of  relig- 
ion, and  exposed  every  moment  to  all  the  awful  hor- 
rors of  endless  destruction.  O  precious  immortals  1 
suffer  me,  for  the  last  time,  and  as  it  were  with  my 
expiring  breath,  to  beseech  every  impenitent  sinner 
present,  whether  old  or  young,  parent  or  cbiU^  pre- 
fessor  ov  7ion-profissor,^'-\n  Christ's  stead,"  to  become, 
immcdiatelv,  *'  reconcilevl  to  God." 


24 

After  departing  from  this  house  of  worship,  at 
this  time,  your  next  meeting  may  be  at  the  solemn 
bar  of  your  omniscient  Judge.  Do  you  ever  reflect, 
with  due  seriousness,  that  the  last  great  day  is  near  ; 
when  that  divine  Jesus,  whom  you  now  reject  with 
scorn  and  derision,  will  come  to  judgment  ?  Hark  ! 
do  you  not  hear  his  chariot-wheels  ?  Cast  your  eyes 
upward !  see  the  heavens  opened !  behold  the  God 
Christ  Jesus,  seated  on  a  cloud,  moving  with  majesty 
towards  this  earth  ;  attended  with  myriads  of  an- 
gelic hosts.  Hark !  the  trumpet  sounds,  in  language 
articulate.  Arise  ye  dead,  and  come  ye  living,  to 
meet  your  Judge  !  My  fellow  sinners  and  fellow  im- 
mortals, are  you  ready  to  hear  and  attend  to  the 
solemn  call  ?  If  you  be,  you  will  ascend  to  meet  the 
Lord  in  the  air,  and  thus  be  ever  with  the  Lord. 
But  if  not  prepared,  by  grace,  for  that  important 
summons,  your  sentence  will  be,  "  Depart,  ye  cursed, 
into  everlasting  fire,  prepared  for  the  devil  and  his 
angels."  Is  this  a  final  sentence  ?  Yes  :  it  will  nev- 
er be  reversed.  Can  you  endure  it  ?  Dare  you  make 
the  trial  ?  or  do  you  feel  somewhat  concerned  to  make 
your  escape  from  this  awful  doom  ?  Let  me  inform 
you,  then,  for  the  last  time,  that  there  is  no  way  of 
escape,  but  by  fleeing  to  the  purifying  blood  of 
Christ,  experiencing  a  change  of  heart,  and  being 
united  in  love  to  the  Lord  Jesus  ;  clothed  with  his 
righteousness,  received  by  faith.  That  you  may,  now 
while  you  are  prisoners  of  hope,  attend  to  divine 
calls,  turn  to  the  strong  hold  of  the  gospel,  and  find 
sanctuary  in  Christ ;  and  that  you  may  all  be  pre- 
pared to  meet  in  the  unchanging  temple  above,  to 
unite  with  all  the  redeemed  from  among  men,  in 
ascriptions  of  thanksgiving  to  him  who  hath  washed 
you  in  his  own  blood,  is  the  earnest  prayer  of  your 
servant,  for  Christ*s  sake,  who  now  bids  you  a  most 
affectionate  Fareivcll,     Amen  and  Amen. 


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